Job Description
Senior Structural Analysis Engineer (m/f/d)
Nonlinear FEA | Aluminium Bridge Structures | Onsite Manchester
Location: Stockport (South Manchester, UK)
Working Model: 3 days per week onsite (mandatory) / 2 days remote
Start: ASAP
Duration: Long-term contract
Workload: 3 days per week
Project Overview
We are supporting a specialist manufacturer of modular aluminium bridge systems seeking an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer with a strong background in nonlinear finite element analysis.
Current bridge span capability: 46 metres
Target span capability: 52 metres
The objective is to optimise existing aluminium structures to achieve increased span length while simultaneously improving strength and reducing overall weight.
This role is heavily analysis-focused and not a pure CAD design position.
Responsibilities
* Perform extensive FEA on welded aluminium bridge structures
* Conduct nonlinear analyses (geometric and material nonlinearity)
* Perform stability and buckling assessments
* Evaluate complex load cases relevant to bridge applications
* Validate simulation results through independent engineering judgement and hand calculations
* Assess manufacturing deviations (e.g. weld defects, dimensional variations) and determine structural acceptability
* Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing and quality teams
Mandatory Requirements
* Strong experience in nonlinear FEA
* Solid background in structural mechanics and stability analysis
* Experience with metallic load-bearing structures (aluminium preferred)
* Experience assessing welded structures
* Proficiency in ANSYS, Abaqus, NX Nastran or similar tools
* Ability to independently evaluate structural integrity and make technical decisions
Not Suitable For
* Pure CAD designers without advanced FEA expertise
* Engineers with only linear FEA experience
* Product development engineers without structural responsibility
* Candidates unwilling to work onsite in Manchester 3 days per week
Additional Information
* 3 days per week onsite in Stockport (UK) is mandatory
* Long-term opportunity
* Only one position available